THE grief-stricken parents of two boys who died in a motorway crash caused by Coventry-born footballer Luke McCormick have called for tougher sentences for killer drivers.

Former Cardinal Wiseman pupil McCormick, who grew up in the Wyken area of the city, was sentenced to seven years and four months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court earlier this week.

The former Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper had pleaded guilty to causing the deaths of Arron Peak, 10, and his brother Ben, eight, by dangerous driving.

The 25-year-old also admitted driving with excess alcohol.

Father Phil Peak, 38, told a national newspaper after the sentencing: "If there is anyone who is reading this who is tempted to drive home from the pub after a few drinks, then I want them to think again and look at us.

"I've lost two sons to drink-driving and I'll never work again. My neck has been broken and my back disintegrated.

"So my message is very clear - don't drink and drive. Get a taxi home or walk if you have to, but don't risk killing someone's children."

McCormick, who played for Coventry City as a youngster, was driving home from a wedding when the crash happened on the M6 in Staffordshire on June 7.

The Peak family were on their way to a day out with friends at Silverstone race track.

Phil, who is now confined to a wheelchair, said: "There's no difference between killing someone with a car and killing someone with a knife - the result is still the same."

His wife Amanda added: "The maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving is 14 years. But Luke McCormick killed twice. So why is he not in jail for 28 years, or the rest of his life?"